U.S. patent application number 15/679850 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-21 for bait station.
The applicant listed for this patent is Neogen Corporation. Invention is credited to Michael Benton, James B. Holland, Mitchell Rivenbark.
Application Number | 20190053482 15/679850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65359953 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190053482 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holland; James B. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2019 |
Bait Station
Abstract
A bait station including a first bait station subassembly and a
second bait station subassembly removably-secured to the first bait
station subassembly. The first bait station subassembly includes a
housing, at least one panel-engaging member and a lid member. The
housing has a body defining an axial passage and at least one
radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage. The
lid member is hingedly-connected to the housing. The lid member
defines a passage. The second bait station subassembly includes a
bait spike and a bait spike retainer. The bait spike retainer
defines an axial bait spike passage. The bait spike is
movably-disposed within the axial bait spike passage of the bait
spike retainer and the passage of the lid member. A portion of a
bait station is also disclosed. A bait spike assembly is also
disclosed. A method is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Holland; James B.; (Clinton,
NC) ; Benton; Michael; (Hampstead, NC) ;
Rivenbark; Mitchell; (Clinton, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Neogen Corporation |
Lansing |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65359953 |
Appl. No.: |
15/679850 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/20 20130101; A01M
25/002 20130101; A01M 23/08 20130101; A01M 25/004 20130101; A01M
1/02 20130101; A01M 23/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01M 25/00 20060101
A01M025/00; A01M 23/36 20060101 A01M023/36; A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20; A01M 1/02 20060101 A01M001/02 |
Claims
1. A bait station, comprising: a first bait station subassembly
including a housing having a body defining an axial passage and at
least one radial passage in fluid communication with the axial
passage, at least one panel-engaging member sized to be arranged
within and slideably disposed about the at least one radial
passage, and a lid member hingedly-connected to the housing,
wherein the lid member defines a passage; a second bait station
subassembly including a bait spike retainer defining an axial bait
spike passage, and a bait spike sized to be movably-disposed within
the bait spike passage and the passage of the lid member.
2. The bait station according to claim 1, wherein the housing
includes a radially inwardly-extending lip portion, wherein the
inwardly-extending lip portion defines a distal opening that is
axially-aligned with and is in fluid communication with the axial
passage extending through the body, wherein the inwardly-extending
lip portion defines at least one slot.
3. The bait station according to claim 2, wherein a distal end of
the bait spike retainer includes at least one axial retainer finger
that is sized to extend through the at least one slot of the
inwardly-extending lip portion and to engage a distal surface of
the inwardly-extending lip portion upon rotatably-connecting the
bait spike retainer to the housing.
4. The bait station according to claim 3, wherein the at least one
axial retainer finger includes an inner surface defining a
projection sized to engage a corresponding projection extending
from the distal surface of the inwardly-extending lip portion after
rotatably-connecting the bait spike retainer to the housing.
5. The bait station according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
panel-engaging member includes: a first flange portion; a second
flange portion; and a third flange portion, wherein the first
flange portion and the second flange portion are sized for
engagement with the at least one radial passage formed by the body
of the housing, wherein the third flange portion is sized for
engagement with an outwardly-extending lip portion that extends
radially outwardly from an outer surface of the body of the
housing.
6. The bait station according to claim 5, wherein the first flange
portion is sized to be retained adjacent an inner surface of the
body of the housing.
7. The bait station according to claim 5, wherein the second flange
portion includes an inner surface defined by a row of ridges that
is sized to be axially coupled to a corresponding row of ridges
extending from the outer surface of the body upon
slidably-connecting the at least one panel-engaging member within
the at least one radial passage.
8. The bait station according to claim 5, wherein the third flange
portion is defined by one or more barbs sized for being received by
one or more female portions formed by a distal surface of the
outwardly-extending lip portion upon slidably-connecting the at
least one panel-engaging member within the at least one radial
passage.
9. The bait station according to claim 1, wherein the lid member
includes a lid member thickness extending between an inner surface
and an outer surface of the lid member, wherein the passage of the
lid member extends through the lid member thickness.
10. The bait station according to claim 9, wherein the bait spike
includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end
of the bait spike is sized for arrangement within the passage the
lid member.
11. The bait station according to claim 10, wherein the bait spike
is arranged relative to the lid member in one of two states being:
a baited state whereby the proximal end of the bait spike is
substantially aligned with the outer surface of the lid member and
a proximal end of an intermediate stem portion of the bait spike is
arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the inner
surface of the lid member; and a non-baited state whereby the
proximal end of the bait spike is not aligned with the outer
surface of the lid member and the proximal end of the intermediate
stem portion of the bait spike is arranged adjacent to the inner
surface of the lid member.
12. The bait station according to claim 11, wherein during the
non-baited state a proximal stem portion of the bait spike that
forms the proximal end of the bait spike extends beyond the outer
surface of the lid member.
13. A portion of a bait station, comprising: a lid member including
a lid member thickness extending between an inner surface and an
outer surface of the lid member, wherein the lid member defines a
passage extending through the lid member thickness; and a bait
spike having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the bait
spike is axially-aligned with the passage extending through the lid
member thickness and movably-disposed with respect to the passage
of the lid member in one of two states being a baited state; and a
non-baited state.
14. The portion of the bait station of claim 13, wherein: the
baited state is defined by the proximal end of the bait spike not
extending beyond the outer surface of the lid member; and the
non-baited state is defined by the proximal end of the bait spike
extending beyond the outer surface of the lid member.
15. The portion of the bait station of claim 14, wherein: the
baited state is further defined by a proximal end of an
intermediate stem portion of the bait spike being arranged in a
spaced-apart relationship with respect to the inner surface of the
lid member; and the non-baited state is further defined by the
proximal end of the intermediate stem portion of the bait spike
being arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the lid member.
16. A bait spike assembly, comprising: a bait-retaining portion,
wherein a proximal portion of the bait-retaining portion of the
bait spike forms an attachment head and an attachment neck, wherein
a shoulder surface joins the attachment head to the attachment
neck; and a consumption-indicating portion including a proximal end
and a distal end and defined by a stem body including at least a
distal stem portion, wherein the distal stem portion defines an
attachment bore, wherein the attachment head and the attachment
neck are sized to be disposed within the attachment bore for
connecting the bait-retaining portion to the consumption-indicating
portion.
17. The bait spike assembly according to claim 16, wherein the
attachment bore is defined by a passage portion, one or more
flexible fingers, and a head-receiving pocket, wherein the one or
more flexible fingers are arranged between the passage portion and
the head-receiving pocket.
18. The bait spike assembly according to claim 17, wherein the
attachment head is disposed within the head-receiving pocket,
wherein the one or more flexible fingers are disposed adjacent the
shoulder surface.
19. The bait spike assembly according to claim 16, wherein the stem
body of the consumption-indicating portion further includes: a
first intermediate stem portion; a second intermediate stem portion
extending from the first intermediate stem portion; and a proximal
stem portion extending from the second intermediate stem portion,
wherein the proximal stem portion is connected to a button
member.
20. The bait spike assembly according to claim 19, wherein the
second intermediate stem portion of the consumption-indicating
portion is defined by a tool interface portion.
21. The bait spike assembly according to claim 16, wherein the
bait-retaining portion is formed from a first material, wherein the
consumption-indicating portion is formed from a second material
that is different from the first material.
22. The bait spike assembly according to claim 21, wherein the
first material is metal, wherein the second material is
plastic.
23. The bait spike assembly according to claim 16, wherein a distal
portion of the bait-retaining portion of the bait spike forms
bait-engaging surface portions including one or more of at least
one protrusion; and at least one recess.
24. A method, comprising: connecting a first bait station
subassembly to a panel by: inserting a housing at least partially
through a panel passage formed by the panel, wherein the housing
includes a body defining an axial passage and at least one radial
passage in fluid communication with the axial passage; securing the
housing to the panel by connecting at least one panel-engaging
member to the housing by: axially-inserting the at least one
panel-engaging member into the axial passage in a first axial
direction then radially-inserting the at least one panel-engaging
member partially through the at least one radial passage in a
radial direction then axially-sliding the at least one
panel-engaging member relative to the at least one radial passage
in a second axial direction that is opposite the first axial
direction; and connecting a second bait station subassembly to the
first bait station subassembly by: axially-inserting the second
bait station subassembly into the axial passage of the first bait
station subassembly; and rotating the second bait station
subassembly relative to the first bait station subassembly.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the axially-sliding the at
least one panel-engaging member relative to the at least one radial
passage in the second axial direction results in: sandwiching a
thickness of the panel by: arranging at least a portion of a
proximal surface of the at least one panel-engaging member adjacent
an upper B-surface side of the panel; and arranging at least a
portion of a distal surface of an outwardly-extending lip portion
that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the body
of the housing adjacent a lower A-surface side of the panel.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: prior to connecting
the second bait station subassembly to the first bait station
subassembly, assembling the second bait station subassembly by
connecting a bait spike to a bait spike retainer by
axially-inserting the bait spike into an axial bait spike passage
of the bait spike retainer.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: prior to connecting
the second bait station subassembly to the first bait station
subassembly, connecting a bait to a distal end of the bait spike
after connecting the bait spike to the bait spike retainer.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the bait is a rodenticide.
29. The method of claim 26 further comprising: after connecting the
second bait station subassembly to the first bait station
subassembly, hingedly-rotating a lid member connected to the
housing from an open orientation to a closed orientation, wherein
the lid member defines a lid member thickness and a lid member
passage extending through the lid member thickness, wherein after
hingedly-rotating the lid member, the lid member passage is
axially-aligned with and receives a proximal end of the bait
spike.
30. The method of claim 24, further comprising: prior to rotating
the second bait station subassembly relative to the first bait
station subassembly, axially-inserting one or more axial retainer
fingers extending from the bait spike retainer through one or more
slots formed by an inwardly-extending lip portion of the body of
the housing.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein rotating the second bait
station subassembly relative to the first bait station subassembly
includes: spatially displacing the one or more axial retainer
fingers relative the one or more slots for disposing an inner
surface of the one or more axial retainer fingers adjacent a distal
surface of the inwardly-extending lip portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to a bait station and a methodology
for using the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bait stations are known in the art. In one example, bait
stations are used to place rodenticides as the bait to control roof
rats. Improvements to bait stations are continuously being sought
in order to advance the arts.
SUMMARY
[0003] One aspect of the disclosure provides a bait station. The
bait station includes a first bait station subassembly including a
housing having a body defining an axial passage and at least one
radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage, at
least one panel-engaging member sized to be arranged within and
slideably disposed about the at least one radial passage, and a lid
member hingedly-connected to the housing, wherein the lid member
defines a passage; a second bait station subassembly including a
bait spike retainer defining an axial bait spike passage, and a
bait spike sized to be movably-disposed within the bait spike
passage and the passage of the lid member.
[0004] In one embodiment of the bait station, the housing may
include a radially inwardly-extending lip portion, the
inwardly-extending lip portion may define a distal opening that is
axially-aligned with and is in fluid communication with the axial
passage extending through the body, and the inwardly-extending lip
portion may define at least one slot. In another embodiment, a
distal end of the bait spike retainer may include at least one
axial retainer finger that is sized to extend through the at least
one slot of the inwardly-extending lip portion and to engage a
distal surface of the inwardly-extending lip portion upon
rotatably-connecting the bait spike retainer to the housing; and
further, the at least one axial retainer finger may include an
inner surface defining a projection sized to engage a corresponding
projection extending from the distal surface of the
inwardly-extending lip portion after rotatably-connecting the bait
spike retainer to the housing.
[0005] In some instances of the inventive bait station, the at
least one panel-engaging member may include: a first flange
portion; a second flange portion; and a third flange portion,
wherein the first flange portion and the second flange portion may
be sized for engagement with the at least one radial passage formed
by the body of the housing, and the third flange portion may be
sized for engagement with an outwardly-extending lip portion that
extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the body of the
housing. Further, the first flange portion may be sized to be
retained adjacent an inner surface of the body of the housing.
[0006] In other instances of the inventive bait station, the second
flange portion may include an inner surface defined by a row of
ridges that is sized to be axially coupled to a corresponding row
of ridges extending from the outer surface of the body upon
slidably-connecting the at least one panel-engaging member within
the at least one radial passage; the third flange portion may be
defined by one or more barbs sized for being received by one or
more female portions formed by a distal surface of the
outwardly-extending lip portion upon slidably-connecting the at
least one panel-engaging member within the at least one radial
passage.
[0007] In an example of the bait station, the lid member may
include a lid member thickness extending between an inner surface
and an outer surface of the lid member, and the passage of the lid
member may extend through the lid member thickness. Further, the
bait spike may include a proximal end and a distal end, and the
proximal end of the bait spike may be sized for arrangement within
the passage the lid member.
[0008] In another example of the bait station, the bait spike may
be arranged relative to the lid member in one of two states being:
a baited state whereby the proximal end of the bait spike may be
substantially aligned with the outer surface of the lid member and
a proximal end of an intermediate stem portion of the bait spike
may be arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the
inner surface of the lid member; and a non-baited state whereby the
proximal end of the bait spike may not be aligned with the outer
surface of the lid member and the proximal end of the intermediate
stem portion of the bait spike may be arranged adjacent to the
inner surface of the lid member. In a further example, during the
non-baited state, a proximal stem portion of the bait spike that
forms the proximal end of the bait spike may extend beyond the
outer surface of the lid member.
[0009] One embodiment of the invention is a portion of a bait
station, including: a lid member including a lid member thickness
extending between an inner surface and an outer surface of the lid
member, wherein the lid member may define a passage extending
through the lid member thickness; and a bait spike having a distal
end and a proximal end, wherein the bait spike may be
axially-aligned with the passage extending through the lid member
thickness and movably-disposed with respect to the passage of the
lid member in one of two states being a baited state and a
non-baited state. In a further embodiment, the baited state may be
defined by the proximal end of the bait spike not extending beyond
the outer surface of the lid member; and the non-baited state may
be defined by the proximal end of the bait spike extending beyond
the outer surface of the lid member. And in another embodiment, the
baited state may be further defined by a proximal end of an
intermediate stem portion of the bait spike being arranged in a
spaced-apart relationship with respect to the inner surface of the
lid member; and the non-baited state may be further defined by the
proximal end of the intermediate stem portion of the bait spike
being arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the lid member.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention is a bait spike
assembly, including: a bait-retaining portion, wherein a proximal
portion of the bait-retaining portion of the bait spike may form an
attachment head and an attachment neck, wherein a shoulder surface
joins the attachment head to the attachment neck; and a
consumption-indicating portion including a proximal end and a
distal end and defined by a stem body including at least a distal
stem portion, wherein the distal stem portion may define an
attachment bore, wherein the attachment head and the attachment
neck may be sized to be disposed within the attachment bore for
connecting the bait-retaining portion to the consumption-indicating
portion. Further, the attachment bore may be defined by a passage
portion, one or more flexible fingers, and a head-receiving pocket,
wherein the one or more flexible fingers may be arranged between
the passage portion and the head-receiving pocket. And in an
additional embodiment, the attachment head may be disposed within
the head-receiving pocket, and the one or more flexible fingers may
be disposed adjacent the shoulder surface.
[0011] In one example, the stem body of the consumption-indicating
portion may include: a first intermediate stem portion; a second
intermediate stem portion extending from the first intermediate
stem portion; and a proximal stem portion extending from the second
intermediate stem portion, wherein the proximal stem portion may be
connected to a button member. Further, the second intermediate stem
portion of the consumption-indicating portion may be defined by a
tool interface portion; the bait-retaining portion may be formed
from a first material, wherein the consumption-indicating portion
may be formed from a second material that is different from the
first material; and the first material may be metal and the second
material may be plastic. In an additional example, a distal portion
of the bait-retaining portion of the bait spike may form
bait-engaging surface portions including one or more of at least
one protrusion and at least one recess.
[0012] One embodiment of the invention is a method, including
connecting a first bait station subassembly to a panel by:
inserting a housing at least partially through a panel passage
formed by the panel, wherein the housing may include a body
defining an axial passage and at least one radial passage in fluid
communication with the axial passage; securing the housing to the
panel by connecting at least one panel-engaging member to the
housing by axially-inserting the at least one panel-engaging member
into the axial passage in a first axial direction then
radially-inserting the at least one panel-engaging member partially
through the at least one radial passage in a radial direction and
then axially-sliding the at least one panel-engaging member
relative to the at least one radial passage in a second axial
direction that is opposite the first axial direction; and
connecting a second bait station subassembly to the first bait
station subassembly by axially-inserting the second bait station
subassembly into the axial passage of the first bait station
subassembly, and rotating the second bait station subassembly
relative to the first bait station subassembly.
[0013] In an additional example of the method, the axially-sliding
the at least one panel-engaging member relative to the at least one
radial passage in the second axial direction may result in
sandwiching a thickness of the panel by arranging at least a
portion of a proximal surface of the at least one panel-engaging
member adjacent an upper B-surface side of the panel; and arranging
at least a portion of a distal surface of an outwardly-extending
lip portion that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface
of the body of the housing adjacent a lower A-surface side of the
panel. Further, prior to connecting the second bait station
subassembly to the first bait station subassembly, the second bait
station subassembly may be assembled by connecting a bait spike to
a bait spike retainer by axially-inserting the bait spike into an
axial bait spike passage of the bait spike retainer. In another
example, prior to connecting the second bait station subassembly to
the first bait station subassembly, a bait may be connected to a
distal end of the bait spike after connecting the bait spike to the
bait spike retainer; and the bait may be a rodenticide.
[0014] In other aspects of the inventive method: after connecting
the second bait station subassembly to the first bait station
subassembly, a lid member connected to the housing may be
hingedly-rotated from an open orientation to a closed orientation,
wherein the lid member may define a lid member thickness and a lid
member passage extending through the lid member thickness, wherein
after hingedly-rotating the lid member, the lid member passage may
be axially-aligned with and receive a proximal end of the bait
spike. In a further aspect, prior to rotating the second bait
station subassembly relative to the first bait station subassembly,
one or more axial retainer fingers extending from the bait spike
retainer may be axially-inserted through one or more slots formed
by an inwardly-extending lip portion of the body of the housing.
And in another aspect, rotating the second bait station subassembly
relative to the first bait station subassembly may include
spatially displacing the one or more axial retainer fingers
relative the one or more slots for disposing an inner surface of
the one or more axial retainer fingers adjacent a distal surface of
the inwardly-extending lip portion.
[0015] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure
are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description
below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent
from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary bait
station.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a first side view of the bait station of FIG.
1A.
[0018] FIG. 1C is a second side view of the bait station of FIG.
1A.
[0019] FIG. 1D is a front view of the bait station of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 1E is a rear view of the bait station of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG 1F is a top view of the bait station of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the bait station of FIG. 1A.
[0023] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the bait station
of FIGS. 1A-1G.
[0024] FIG. 2B is a partially assembled perspective view of the
bait station of FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 2C is a further partially assembled perspective view of
the bait station of FIG. 2B.
[0026] FIG. 2D is a further partially assembled perspective view of
the bait station of FIG. 2C.
[0027] FIG. 2E is a further partially assembled perspective view of
the bait station of FIG. 2D.
[0028] FIG. 2F is a further partially assembled perspective view of
the bait station of FIG. 2E.
[0029] FIG. 2G is a further partially assembled perspective view of
the bait station of FIG. 2F.
[0030] FIG. 3A is an assembled perspective view of the bait station
of FIG. 2G loaded with bait being consumed by a rodent.
[0031] FIG. 3B another perspective view of the bait station of FIG.
3A after the bait is consumed by the rodent.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing of the bait
station of FIGS. 1A-1G.
[0033] FIG. 5A is a lower perspective view of a panel-engaging
member of the bait station of FIGS. 1A-1G.
[0034] FIG. 5B is an upper perspective view of a panel-engaging
member of the bait station of FIGS. 1A-1G
[0035] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the housing and the
panel-engaging member of FIGS. 4-5B according to line 6A-6A of FIG.
2B.
[0036] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the housing and the
panel-engaging member of FIGS. 4-5B according to line 6B-6B of FIG.
2C.
[0037] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the housing and the
panel-engaging member of FIGS. 4-5B according to line 6C-6C of FIG.
2D.
[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the housing and
the panel-engaging member after arranging the panel-engaging member
relative to the housing as seen in FIG. 6C
[0039] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a bait spike of
the bait station of FIGS. 1A-1G.
[0040] FIG. 8B is an assembled perspective view of the bait spike
of FIG. 8A
[0041] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the bait spike
according to line 9A-9A of FIG. 8A.
[0042] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the bait spike
according FIG. 9A arranged in a partially assembled state.
[0043] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the bait spike
according to line 9C-9C of FIG. 8B.
[0044] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to line 10A-10A of FIG. 2G
[0045] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to line 10B-10B of FIG. 3B.
[0046] FIG. 10A' is an enlarged view according to line 10A' of FIG.
10A.
[0047] FIG. 10A'' is an enlarged view according to line 10A'' of
FIG. 10A.
[0048] FIG. 11A is a portion of an upper perspective view of the
bait station according to arrow 11A of FIG. 2E.
[0049] FIG. 11B is a portion of an upper perspective view of the
bait station according to arrow 11B of FIG. 2F.
[0050] FIG. 12A is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to arrow 12A of FIG. 2G or FIG. 3A.
[0051] FIG. 12B is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to arrow 12B of FIG. 3B.
[0052] FIG. 12C is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to FIG. 12B prior to being serviced by a user.
[0053] FIG. 12D is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to FIG. 12C being serviced by the user.
[0054] FIG. 12E is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to FIG. 12D being serviced by the user showing the bait
spike removed from the housing.
[0055] FIG. 13A is a lower perspective view of the bait station
according to arrow 13 of FIG. 12E.
[0056] FIGS. 13B-13C are lower perspective views of the bait
station of FIG. 13A receiving a tool.
[0057] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to line 14A-14A of FIG. 13B with the tool partially
arranged within the housing of the bait station.
[0058] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to FIG. 14A with the tool further partially arranged
within the housing of the bait station.
[0059] FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to FIG. 14B with the tool arranged within the housing of
the bait station.
[0060] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bait station
according to FIG. 14C with the tool arranged within the housing of
the bait station in another orientation.
[0061] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1G, a bait station is shown generally
at 10. As seen in FIG. 2A and with corresponding reference to FIGS.
1A-1G, a plurality of components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 form the bait
station 10. Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, more than one
component (see, e.g., components 12, 14, 16) of the plurality of
components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 form a first bait station subassembly
22 and more than one component (see, e.g., components 18, 20) of
the plurality of components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 form a second bait
station subassembly 24. As seen in FIGS. 2D-2G, the second bait
station subassembly 24 is sized for being removably-secured to the
first bait station subassembly 22.
[0063] As seen in FIGS. 2B-2G, the first bait station subassembly
22 may be secured to a panel P. In some implementations, the panel
P may be an overhead ceiling panel that defines a room of a
building. In other examples, the panel P may be: (1) a vertical
sidewall panel that defines a room of a building, (2) a flooring
panel that defines a room of a building (3) a portion of ductwork
(that is, for example, positioned: overhead within a ceiling,
within flooring or within a vertical sidewall) or the like. If, for
example, the panel P is an overhead ceiling panel, the panel P may
be formed from a drop ceiling panel that may be removably-secured
to a drop ceiling grid support structure (not shown). In other
examples, the panel P may be formed from a portion of a sheet of
drywall, a plaster wall, a cinderblock wall, a sheet of plywood,
plastic or metal (e.g., that is utilized for forming ductwork) or
the like.
[0064] With continued reference to FIGS. 2B-2G, the second bait
station subassembly 24 may retain bait B (e.g., a rodenticide,
poison, pesticide or the like). As seen in FIGS. 3A-3B, the bait B
may be consumed by a rodent R, pest or the like (e.g., mice or
rats). In one example, the bait B is a formed from a solid
material, e.g., a wax or formed block. For example, the bait B may
be formed from a solid material and may include attractants,
rodenticide (poison), feed, and wax.
[0065] When the second bait station subassembly 24 is
removably-secured to the first bait station subassembly 22, the
second bait station subassembly 24 may be accessible by a user
(see, e.g., U in FIGS. 12A-12D) from an "A-surface" side P.sub.1 of
the panel P such that the second bait station subassembly 24 may be
loaded or reloaded with bait B. As seen in FIGS. 3A-3B, the bait B
is located about an opposite, "B-surface" side P.sub.2 of the panel
P. As will be described in the following disclosure at FIGS.
12A-12B, in addition to retaining bait B, a portion (see, e.g.,
component 18) of the second bait station subassembly 24 also
provides an added function of a bait consumption indictor whereby,
for example, the portion (see, e.g., component 18) of the second
bait station subassembly 24 moves (see, e.g., arrow X.sub.18')
relative another component (see, e.g., component 20) of the second
bait station subassembly 24. In some instances, if the bait station
10 is installed in an overhead orientation (i.e., if the panel P
defines a ceiling panel or overhead ductwork), the component 18 may
fall or drop downwardly X.sub.18' with the assistance of gravity
from an "up orientation" (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 10A, 12A) to a "down
orientation" (seem e.g. FIGS. 3B, 10B, 12B) in order to provide a
visible indication to the user U (who is located opposite the
A-surface P.sub.1 of the panel P as seen in, for example, FIGS.
12A-12D) that the bait B (that is located opposite the B-surface
P.sub.2 of the panel P as seen in, for example, FIGS. 3A, 10A, 12A)
has been depleted (as seen in, for example, FIGS. 3B, 10B, 12B). As
a result, the bait station 10 favorably obviates the need for the
user U to otherwise manually inspect the state of consumption of
the bait B that is secured to the second bait station subassembly
24.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 2A, first bait station subassembly 22
includes a housing 12, at least one panel-engaging member 14 and a
lid member 16. As also seen in FIGS. 1A-1F and FIGS. 2A-2G, the at
least one panel-engaging member 14 includes a pair of
panel-engaging member 14 defined by a first panel-engaging member
14a and a second panel-engaging member 14b. In the following
disclosure, reference to "a", "the" or "at least one" "panel
engaging member 14" may be applied to either one or both of the
first panel-engaging member 14a and the second panel-engaging
member 14b as the first panel-engaging member 14a and the second
panel-engaging member 14b are similar components of the bait
station 10.
[0067] As seen in FIGS. 2B-2D and as will be described in the
following disclosure at FIGS. 6A-6C, the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 may be slidably-connected to the housing
12 for axial movement according to the direction of arrow X.sub.14'
(see, e.g., FIG. 2C and 6B). The lid member 16 may be
hingedly-connected to the housing 12 for rotation according to the
direction of arrow R.sub.16 (see, e.g., FIG. 2F).
[0068] With reference to FIG. 4, the housing 12 includes a
substantially cylindrical body 26 defined by an inner surface
26.sub.I and an outer surface 26.sub.O. The substantially
cylindrical body 26 is further defined by a thickness T.sub.26
(see, e.g., FIGS. 6A-6C) extending between the inner surface
26.sub.I and the outer surface 26.sub.O. Furthermore, the inner
surface 26.sub.I of the substantially cylindrical body 26 defines
an axial passage 28 extending through the substantially cylindrical
body 26 from a proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 to a distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially
cylindrical body 26.
[0069] As seen in FIG. 4, the housing 12 further includes an
outwardly-extending lip portion 30 extending from the outer surface
26.sub.O of the substantially cylindrical body 26 and an
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 extending from the inner surface
26.sub.I of the substantially cylindrical body 26. The
outwardly-extending lip portion 30 is arranged near the proximal
end 26.sub.P of the substantially cylindrical body 26. The
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 is arranged near the distal end
26.sub.D of the substantially cylindrical body 26.
[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 4, at least one radial
passage 34 radially extends through the thickness T.sub.26 of the
substantially cylindrical body 26. The at least one radial passage
34 is in fluid communication with the axial passage 28. As seen in
FIGS. 2B-2C and 6A-6C, the at least one radial passage 34 is sized
for receiving the at least one panel-engaging member 14.
[0071] Like the at least one panel-engaging member 14, the at least
one radial passage 34 includes a pair of radial passages defined by
a first radial passage 34a and a second radial passage 34b. In the
following disclosure, reference to "a", "the" or "at least one"
"radial passage 34" may be applied to either one or both of the
first radial passage 34a and the second radial passage 34b as the
first radial passage 34a and the second radial passage 34b are
similar. Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 1A-2G, the first
panel-engaging member 14a is associated with and disposed within
the first radial passage 34a and the second panel-engaging member
14b is associated with and disposed within the second radial
passage 34b.
[0072] As seen in FIG. 4, the inwardly-extending lip portion 32
defines a distal opening 36 that is axially-aligned with and is in
fluid communication with the axial passage 28. As seen in FIGS.
2D-2E, the distal opening 36 is sized for permitting a portion of
the second bait station subassembly 24 to extend out of the axial
passage 28 and beyond the distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially
cylindrical body 26.
[0073] As seen in FIGS. 10A-10B and will be described in the
following disclosure, the proximal end 26.sub.P of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 defines a proximal opening 100
that is axially-aligned with and is in fluid communication with the
axial passage 28. Although the proximal opening 100 is not seen in
FIGS. 2D-2E, the proximal opening 100 is sized for permitting
insertion (according to the direction of arrow X.sub.24 as seen in
FIG. 2D) of the second bait station subassembly 24 into the axial
passage 28 of the housing 12 whereby a portion of the second bait
station subassembly 24 does not extend beyond the distal end
26.sub.D of the substantially cylindrical body 26 by way of the
distal opening 36 (as seen in FIG. 2E whereby this portion of the
second bait station subassembly 24 is contained within the axial
passage 28 of the housing 12 after being axially inserted X.sub.24
through proximal opening 100).
[0074] With reference to FIG. 4, the outer surface 26.sub.O of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 is further defined by at least
one row of ridges 40 that is axially aligned with the at least one
radial passage 34. The at least one row of ridges 40 includes a
plurality of ridges 40.sub.1-40.sub.n defined by a distal ridge
40.sub.1, a proximal ridge 40.sub.n and a plurality of intermediate
ridges 40.sub.2-40.sub.n-1. Each ridge of the plurality of ridges
40.sub.1-40.sub.n may be defined by a body having a substantially
triangular cross-section having a ramp surface and a latching
surface. In some instances, as seen, for example at FIGS. 6A-6C,
the at least one row of ridges 40 contributes to as a one-way
fastening feature of the bait station 10 whereby the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 is not permitted to be moved in a
direction opposite the arrow X.sub.14' after the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 is moved from the distal end 26.sub.D of
the substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 toward the
proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of
the housing 12 for securing the housing 12 to the panel P.
[0075] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the outwardly-extending
lip portion 30 is further defined by a distal surface 30.sub.D, a
proximal surface 30.sub.P and a side surface 30.sub.S connecting
the distal surface 30.sub.D to the proximal surface 30.sub.P. As
seen in FIG. 4, one or more of the distal surface 30.sub.D, the
proximal surface 30.sub.P and the side surface 30.sub.S defines one
or more passages, slots, grooves, recesses, channels or projections
42-50 that provide a variety of associated functions.
[0076] In an example, the distal surface 30.sub.D and the side
surface 30.sub.S of the outwardly-extending lip portion 30 forms
one or more male portions (see, e.g., 42.sub.M), one or more female
portions (see, e.g., 42.sub.F) or male-and-female portions 42 that
is/are sized for receiving (as seen in FIG. 6C) one or more
portions of the at least one panel-engaging member 14 in response
to the at least one panel-engaging member 14 being moved X.sub.14'
from the distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially cylindrical body
26 of the housing 12 toward the proximal end 26.sub.P of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12. In another
example, the distal surface 30.sub.D, the proximal surface 30.sub.P
and the side surface 30.sub.S may also form a hinge groove 44 (see,
e.g., FIG. 2A) and a snap-fit channel 46 that are respectively
sized for receiving a hinge 16.sub.H (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) of the
lid member 16 and a snap-fit flange 16.sub.F (see, e.g., FIG. 2A)
of the lid member 16 in order to permit the lid member 16 to be
hingedly-connected R.sub.16 (see, e.g., FIG. 2F) to the housing 12
and selectively-retained to the housing 12 in a closed orientation
(as seen in, e.g., FIG. 2G). In yet another example as seen in FIG.
4, the distal surface 30.sub.D and the proximal surface 30.sub.P
may respectively define one or more openings 48 providing access to
one or more optional axial passages 50 that is/are sized for
receiving a screw or bolt (not shown) for securing the housing 12
to the panel P.
[0077] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the inwardly-extending
lip portion 32 is further defined by a distal surface 32.sub.D, a
proximal surface 32.sub.P and a side surface 32.sub.S connecting
the distal surface 32.sub.D to the proximal surface 32.sub.P. As
seen in FIG. 4, one or more of the distal surface 32.sub.D, the
proximal surface 32.sub.P and the side surface 32.sub.S defines one
or more passages, slots, grooves, recesses, channels or projections
52-54 that provide a variety of associated functions.
[0078] In an example, the distal surface 32.sub.D, the proximal
surface 32.sub.P and the side surface 32.sub.S of the
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 forms one or more slots 52 that
are sized for receiving one or more portions of the second bait
station subassembly 24 in response to the second bait station
subassembly 24 being moved X.sub.24 (see, e.g., FIG. 2D) from the
proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of
the housing 12 toward the distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12. In another example, the
distal surface 32.sub.D defines at least one projection 54 located
proximate the one or more slots 52 for selectively-retaining the
one or more portions of the second bait station subassembly 24
passed through the one or more slots 52 in response to rotating
R.sub.24 (see, e.g., FIG. 2E) the second bait station subassembly
24 relative to the housing 12.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 includes a base portion 56 and a plurality
of flange portions 58 extending away from the base portion 56. In
an example, the plurality of flange portions 58 includes a first
flange portion 58a, a second flange portion 58b and a third flange
portion 58c that are sized for being interfaced with the housing
12.
[0080] In an example, the first flange portion 58a and the second
flange portion 58b are sized for engagement with the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 relative to the at least one
radial passage 34 formed by the substantially cylindrical body 26
of the housing 12. In another example, the third flange portion 58c
is sized for engagement with the outwardly-extending lip portion 30
extending from the outer surface 26.sub.O of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12.
[0081] In an example as seen in FIGS. 6A-6B, the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 is connected to the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing by initially arranging the at
least one panel-engaging member 14 within the passage 28 of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 and then
radially passing (see, e.g., arrow Z.sub.14 in FIG. 6A) the at
least one panel-engaging member 14 through the at least one radial
passage 34 formed by the substantially cylindrical body 26 of the
housing 12. As seen in FIGS. 6B-6C, the second flange portion 58b
and the third flange portion 58c are sized for being inserted
through the at least one radial passage 34 formed by the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 such that the
second flange portion 58b and the third flange portion 58c are
disposed outside of the axial passage 28 extending through the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 while the first
flange portion 58a remains within the passage 28 of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12.
[0082] With reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, the first flange portion 58a
may be defined by an inner surface 58a.sub.I and an outer surface
58a.sub.O. After arranging the second flange portion 58b and the
third flange portion 58c outside of the axial passage 28 and
sliding X.sub.14' the at least one panel-engaging member 14
relative to the housing 12 from the distal end 26.sub.D of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 toward the
proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of
the housing 12, the outer surface 58a.sub.O of the first flange
portion 58a may be disposed adjacent or opposite the inner surface
26.sub.I of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12
for radially-retaining the at least one panel-engaging member 14 to
the housing 12.
[0083] As seen in FIGS. 6A-6C, the second flange portion 58b is
sized for being disposed adjacent the outer surface 26.sub.O of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12. The second
flange portion 58b may be defined by an inner surface 58b.sub.I and
an outer surface 58b.sub.O.
[0084] As seen in FIGS. 5A-5B, the inner surface 58b.sub.I of the
second flange portion 58b is defined by a row of ridges 60. The row
of ridges 60 includes a plurality of ridges 60.sub.1-60.sub.n
defined by a distal ridge 60.sub.1, a proximal ridge 60.sub.n and a
plurality of intermediate ridges 60.sub.2-60.sub.n-1. Each ridge of
the plurality of ridges 60.sub.1-60.sub.n may be defined by a body
having a substantially triangular cross-section having a ramp
surface and a latching surface.
[0085] As seen in FIGS. 6B-6C, when the at least one panel-engaging
member 14 is slid X.sub.14' relative to the housing 12 from the
distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of the
housing 12 toward the proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12, the row of ridges 60 formed
by the inner surface 58.sub.I of the second flange portion 58b is
progressively-interfaced with the row of ridges 40 formed by the
outer surface 26.sub.O of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of
the housing 12 for one-way-fastening the at least one
panel-engaging member 14 to the housing 12 for radially-retaining
the at least one panel-engaging member 14 to the housing 12.
[0086] As seen in FIGS. 6C and 7, the third flange portion 58c is
sized for being disposed adjacent and/or received by the one or
more male portion 42.sub.M, the one or more female portion 42.sub.F
or the male-and-female portion 42 formed by distal surface 30.sub.D
and side surface 30.sub.S of the outwardly-extending lip portion 30
extending from the outer surface 26.sub.O of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12. The third flange portion 58c
may be defined by a distal surface 58c.sub.D and a proximal surface
58c.sub.P. The distal surface 58c.sub.D of the third flange portion
58c is defined by one or more barbs 62 that is/are sized for being
received by the one or more female portions 42.sub.F formed by the
formed by distal surface 30.sub.D and the side surface 30.sub.S of
the outwardly-extending lip portion 30 extending from the housing
12 when the at least one panel-engaging member 14 is slid X.sub.14'
relative to the housing 12 from the distal end 26.sub.D of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 toward the
proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of
the housing 12. The third flange portion 58c may also define a
passage 64 that is accessible by way of a distal opening 66 formed
by the distal surface 58c.sub.D of the third flange portion 58c.
The distal opening 66 and passage 64 may be sized for receiving the
one or more male portions 42.sub.M formed by the formed by distal
surface 30.sub.D of the outwardly-extending lip portion 30
extending from the housing 12 when the at least one panel-engaging
member 14 is slid X.sub.14' relative to the housing 12 from the
distal end 26.sub.D of the substantially cylindrical body 26 of the
housing 12 toward the proximal end 26.sub.P of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 2B, prior to slidably-joining the at
least one panel-engaging member 14 to the housing 12 as described
above, the housing 12 is firstly axially-inserting through a
passage P.sub.P formed by the panel P according to the direction of
the arrow X.sub.12. Then, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 6A, while the
user U urges the distal surface 30.sub.D of the outwardly-extending
lip portion 30 of the housing 12 toward the "A-surface" side
P.sub.1 of the panel P, with one hand, the user locates the at
least one panel-engaging member 14 within the axial passage 28 of
the housing 12 and inserts the second flange portion 58b and the
third flange portion 58c through the at least one radial passage 34
from the inner surface 26.sub.I of the substantially cylindrical
body 26 toward the outer surface 26.sub.O of the substantially
cylindrical body 26 according to the direction of arrow Z.sub.14
(see, e.g., FIG. 6A). Thereafter, as discussed above and as seen in
FIGS. 2C-2D, the at least one panel-engaging member 14 may be slid
downwardly according to the direction of arrow X.sub.14' for
attaching the at least one panel-engaging member 14 to the housing
12.
[0088] As seen in FIGS. 6C and 7, in response to sliding X.sub.14'
the at least one panel-engaging member 14 relative to the housing
12 as described above, the one or more male portion 42.sub.M of the
outwardly-extending lip portion 30 and the one or more barbs 62 of
the third flange portion 58c may engage, sandwich or bite-into the
panel P for axially securing the housing 12 to the panel P as seen
in FIG. 2D. More particularly, as seen in FIG. 7, the one or more
barbs 62 may engage or bite-into the "B-surface" side P.sub.2 of
the panel P as the male portion 42.sub.M of the outwardly-extending
lip portion 30 may engage or bite-into the "A-surface" side P.sub.1
of the panel P. In an example, when the male portion 42.sub.M of
the outwardly-extending lip portion 30 engages or bites-into the
"A-surface" side P.sub.1 of the panel P, the portion 42.sub.M of
the outwardly-extending lip portion 30 may urge a portion of the
panel P into the proximal opening 66 formed by the distal surface
58c.sub.D of the third flange portion 58c and into the passage of
the third flange portion 58c.
[0089] As seen in FIG. 7, the male portion 42.sub.M of the
outwardly-extending lip portion 30 may be located between a pair of
barbs 62 of the third flange portion 58c of the at least one
panel-engaging member 14. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 7, the
distal surface 30.sub.D of the outwardly-extending lip portion 30
extending from the housing 12 may be disposed adjacent the
"A-surface" side P.sub.1 of the panel P. As a result of the
structure associated with at least one panel-engaging member 14 and
the outwardly-extending lip portion 30 (described above)
"sandwiching" or biting-into the panel P, an "anti-rotation"
feature of the bait station 10 is provided whereby the rotation of
the housing 12 relative to the panel P is mitigated or
prevented.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1G and 2A, the second bait station
subassembly 24 includes a bait spike 18 and a bait spike retainer
20. With reference to FIG. 2A, the bait spike retainer 20 includes
an inner surface 68 defining a passage 70 that is sized for
receiving the bait spike 18 according to the direction of arrow
X.sub.18 from a proximal end 20.sub.P of the bait spike retainer 20
to a distal end 20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 2B, after the bait spike 18 is disposed
within the passage 70 formed by the bait spike retainer 20, the
bait spike 18 is arranged in an axially free-floating relationship
with respect to the bait spike retainer 20 along an axis
A.sub.70-A.sub.70 extending through the passage 70 formed by the
bait spike retainer 20. As will be described in the following
disclosure (and with reference to FIGS. 2B-2C), the bait spike 18
may be axially fixed in place relative to the bait spike retainer
20 after joining bait B to the bait spike 18. Furthermore, as will
also be described in the following disclosure (and with reference
to FIGS. 3A-3B, 10A-10B and 12A-12B), after the bait B has been
removed from the bait spike 18 (e.g., as a result of consumption or
removal of bait B by a rodent R), the lid member 16 (when arranged
in a closed orientation with respect to the housing 12) may prevent
(as seen in FIGS. 10B and 12B) the bait spike 18 from being further
advanced out of the passage 70 of the bait spike retainer 20 in a
direction according to arrow X.sub.18' (see, e.g., FIG. 12B).
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9C, the bait spike 18 may be
formed from an assembly including a bait-retaining portion 18a and
a consumption-indicating portion 18b. As seen in FIGS. 9A-9C, a
proximal end 18a.sub.P of the bait-retaining portion 18a may be
non-removably-coupled to a distal end 18b.sub.D of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b.
[0093] In an example, the bait-retaining portion 18a may be formed
from a first material (e.g., metal) and the consumption-indicating
portion 18b may be formed from a second material (e.g., plastic)
that is different from the first material. Because at least some of
the bait-retaining portion 18a may be accessed by a rodent R (as
seen in, e.g., FIGS. 3A-3B), if, for example, the first material
defining the bait-retaining portion 18a is a metallic material, the
metallic material is less likely to be chewed, damaged or consumed
by the rodent R, thereby potentially prolonging the life of the
bait spike 18. Furthermore, use of a plastic material (rather than
a metallic material) for the consumption-indicating portion 18b not
only reduces the weight of the bait spike 18 in order to lessen an
overall load imparted by the bait station 10 to the panel P but
also reduces cost of the bait spike 18 due to the fact that plastic
materials are typically cheaper than metallic materials.
[0094] Although the bait spike 18 is shown and described at FIGS.
8A-8B and 9A-9C to be a two-piece component defined by an assembly,
the bait spike 18 may be formed as one-piece component derived from
one material. Therefore, the bait spike 18 may be formed from, for
example, a metallic material, alone, or a plastic material,
alone.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 8A, a first portion L.sub.18a-1 of a
length L.sub.18a of the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait
spike 18 extending from a distal end 18a.sub.D of the
bait-retaining portion 18a toward the proximal end 18a.sub.P of the
bait-retaining portion 18a may be formed to define one or more
protrusions 72, recesses 74 and the like in order to
frictionally-retain bait B to the bait-retaining portion 18a of the
bait spike 18, which may, among other functions, prevent the bait B
from rotating about the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait
spike 18. A second portion L.sub.18a-2 of the length L.sub.18a of
the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait spike 18 extending from
the proximal end 18a.sub.P of the bait-retaining portion 18a toward
the distal end 18a.sub.D of the bait-retaining portion 18a may be
formed to define an attachment head 76 and an attachment neck 78
that may be interfaced with the distal end 18b.sub.D of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b. A shoulder surface 80 may join
the attachment head 76 to the attachment neck 78.
[0096] With reference to FIG. 8A, the consumption-indicating
portion 18b is defined by a stem body 82 including: a first stem
portion 82a extending along a first portion L.sub.18b-1 of a length
L.sub.18b of the consumption-indicating portion 18b, a second stem
portion 82b extending along a second portion L.sub.18b-2 of the
length L.sub.18b of the consumption-indicating portion 18b, a third
stem portion 82c extending along a third portion L.sub.18b-3 of the
length L.sub.18b of the consumption-indicating portion 18b and a
fourth stem portion 82d extending along a fourth portion
L.sub.18b-4 of the length L.sub.18b of the consumption-indicating
portion 18b. The first stem portion 82a extends from the distal end
18b.sub.D of the consumption-indicating portion 18b toward a
proximal end 18b.sub.P of the consumption-indicating portion 18b.
The fourth stem portion 82d extends from the proximal end 18b.sub.P
of the consumption-indicating portion 18b toward the distal end
18b.sub.D of the consumption-indicating portion 18b. The second
stem portion 82b extends from the first stem portion 82a. The third
stem portion 82c extends from the fourth stem portion 82d. The
second stem portion 82b is connected to the third stem portion
82c.
[0097] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 9A, the first stem portion
82a defines an attachment bore 84. Access to the attachment bore 84
is permitted by an opening 86 formed by the distal end 18b.sub.D of
the consumption-indicating portion 18b.
[0098] As seen in FIG. 9A, the attachment bore 84 is defined by an
inner surface 88. A first portion 88.sub.1 of the inner surface 88
defines a passage portion 84a of the attachment bore 84 extending
from the distal end 18b.sub.D of the consumption-indicating portion
18b. A second portion 88.sub.2 of the inner surface 88 defines a
one or more flexible fingers 84b extending radially into the
attachment bore 84. A third portion 88.sub.3 of the inner surface
88 defines a head-receiving pocket 84c of the attachment bore 84.
The one or more flexible fingers 84b is/are arranged between the
passage portion 84a and the head-receiving pocket 84c.
[0099] With continued reference to FIG. 9A, the attachment head 76
of the bait-retaining portion 18a is defined by an outer surface
90. The outer surface 90 defines the attachment head 76 of the
bait-retaining portion 18a to have a diameter D.sub.76.
Furthermore, the attachment neck 78 of the bait-retaining portion
18a is defined by an outer surface 92. The outer surface 92 defines
the attachment neck 78 of the bait-retaining portion 18a to have a
diameter D.sub.78. The diameter D.sub.78 of the attachment neck 78
is less than the diameter D.sub.76 of the attachment head 76.
[0100] With continued reference to FIG. 9A, the attachment bore 84
is defined by a first bore diameter D.sub.84-1 and a second bore
diameter D.sub.84-2. The first bore diameter D.sub.84-1 of the
attachment bore 84 generally defines a diameter of the passage
portion 84a and a diameter of the head-receiving pocket 84c. The
second bore diameter D.sub.84-2 of the attachment bore 84 generally
defines a spacing diameter between a pair of opposing flexible
fingers 84b defined by the second portion 88.sub.2 of the inner
surface 88.
[0101] The diameter D.sub.76 of the attachment head 76 is about the
same as but slightly less than the first bore diameter D.sub.84-1
of the attachment bore 84, and the diameter D.sub.76 of the
attachment head 76 is greater than the second bore diameter
D.sub.84-2 of the attachment bore 84. The diameter D.sub.78 of the
attachment neck 78 is about the same as but slightly less than the
second bore diameter D.sub.84-2 of the attachment bore 84.
[0102] As seen in FIG. 9B, upon passing the attachment head 76 of
the bait-retaining portion 18a through the opening 86 formed by the
distal end 18b.sub.D of the consumption-indicating portion 18b, the
attachment head 76 is passed through the passage portion 84a for
subsequent engagement with the pair of opposing flexible fingers
84b. Upon engaging the attachment head 76 with the pair of opposing
flexible fingers 84b, the attachment head 76 flexes the pair of
opposing flexible fingers 84b in a radially-outwardly direction
according to arrow R.sub.84b. As seen in FIG. 9C, after the
attachment head 76 passes the pair of opposing flexible fingers
84b, the pair of opposing flexible fingers 84b flexes radially
inwardly according to arrow R.sub.84b' back to an at-rest state
whereby the pair of opposing flexible fingers 84b may be disposed
adjacent at least the shoulder surface 80 and optionally the outer
surface 92 of the attachment neck 78 for axially securing the
bait-retaining portion 18a to the consumption-indicating portion
18b. Referring to FIG. 8B, once the bait-retaining portion 18a is
attached to the consumption-indicating portion 18b as described
above at FIGS. 9A-9C, the bait spike 18 may be defined by a length
L.sub.18 extending between the distal end 18a.sub.D of the
bait-retaining portion 18a (which may also be a distal end 18.sub.D
of the bait spike 18) and the proximal end 18b.sub.P of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b (which may also be a proximal
end 18.sub.P of the bait spike 18).
[0103] The proximal end 18b.sub.P of the consumption-indicating
portion 18b generally defines a button member 94. A proximal end
82d.sub.P of the fourth stem portion 82d of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b is connected to a distal end
94.sub.D the button member 94. The fourth stem portion 82d of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b is also defined by a distal end
82d.sub.D. The distal end 82d.sub.D of the fourth stem portion 82d
of the consumption-indicating portion 18b is connected to a
proximal end 82c.sub.P of the third stem portion 82c of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b. A distal end 82c.sub.D of the
third stem portion 82c of the consumption-indicating portion 18b is
connected to a proximal end 82b.sub.P of the second stem portion
82c of the consumption-indicating portion 18b.
[0104] The third stem portion 82c of the consumption-indicating
portion 18b is defined by a tool interface portion 96. The tool
interface portion 96 may also define a tool insertion passage 98
extending radially through the tool interface portion 96.
[0105] With reference to FIG. 2A, after the bait spike 18 is formed
by non-removably-joining the bait-retaining portion 18a to the
consumption-indicating portion 18b, the distal end 18a.sub.O of the
bait-retaining portion 18a is inserted into a proximal opening (not
shown) of the bait spike retainer 20 that permits access to the
passage 70 formed by the bait spike retainer 20 according to the
direction of arrow X.sub.18. Once arranged within the passage 70
formed by the bait spike retainer 20, the distal end 18a.sub.D of
the bait-retaining portion 18a is then advanced through the passage
70 from the proximal end 20.sub.P of the bait spike retainer 20 to
the distal end 20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20 until the
distal end 18a.sub.D of the bait-retaining portion 18a extends out
of a distal opening 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B, 10A) of the bait
spike retainer 20 located at the distal end 20.sub.D of the bait
spike retainer 20. With reference to FIGS. 10A, 10A' and 10A'', the
bait spike 18 is advanced within the passage 70 according to the
direction of arrow X.sub.18 until: (1) as seen in FIG. 10A'', the
distal end 82c.sub.D of the third stem portion 82c of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b that defines the tool interface
portion 96 engages a first shoulder surface 104 of the inner
surface 68 that defines the passage 70 extending through the bait
spike retainer 20 and (2) as seen in FIG. 10A', a shoulder surface
18b.sub.D-S of the distal end 18b.sub.D of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b engages a second shoulder
surface 106 of the inner surface 68 that defines the passage 70
extending through the bait spike retainer 20. Upon the
consumption-indicating portion 18b engaging the first shoulder
surface 104 and the second shoulder surfaced 106 of the inner
surface 68 defining the passage 70 extending through the bait spike
retainer 20 as described above, a portion L.sub.18a-1P (see, e.g.
FIGS. 2B, 10A') of the first portion L.sub.18a-1 of the length
L.sub.18a of the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait spike 18
extends out of the passage 70 and beyond distal opening 102 of the
bait spike retainer 20 located at the distal end 20.sub.D of the
bait spike retainer 20.
[0106] As described above, the bait spike 18 is arranged in
free-floating orientation with the passage 70 of the bait spike
retainer 20. Therefore, during the course of joining the bait B to
the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait spike 18 according to
the direction of the arrow X.sub.B as seen in FIG. 2B, a user may
apply an opposing force F (see, e.g., FIG. 2B and 10A) to the
proximal end 94.sub.P of the button member 94 in order to maintain
the distal end 82c.sub.D of the third stem portion 82c of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b adjacent the first shoulder
surface 104 of the inner surface 68 that defines the passage 70
extending through the bait spike retainer 20.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 2C, after the bait B has been joined
to the bait-retaining portion 18a of the bait spike 18, the bait B
secures the bait spike 18 to the bait spike retainer 20. When the
bait B is secured to the bait spike 18, the user may no longer need
to apply the force F, as the bait B is larger than the distal
opening 102 of the bait spike retainer 20, and, therefore, the bait
B rests upon the distal end 20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer
20.
[0108] Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 2D, the second bait station
subassembly 24 (including the bait B secured to the bait-retaining
portion 18a of the bait spike 18 and resting upon the distal end
20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20) is said to be prepared for
axial insertion X.sub.24 into the axial passage 28 of the housing
12. With reference to FIGS. 2E and 10A, after axially inserting
X.sub.24 the second bait station subassembly 24 into the axial
passage 28 of the housing 12, a portion of the bait spike retainer
20 does not extend beyond the distal end 26.sub.D of the
substantially cylindrical body 26 of the housing 12 by way of the
distal opening 36 (i.e., a portion of the bait spike retainer 20 is
contained within the axial passage 28 of the housing 12). Insertion
X.sub.24 of the second bait station subassembly 24 into the axial
passage 28 ceases when the distal shoulder surface 20.sub.D (see
also, e.g., FIG. 2C) of the bait spike retainer 20 engages or is
disposed adjacent the proximal surface 32.sub.P (see also, e.g.,
FIG. 10A) of the inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing
12.
[0109] With reference to FIGS. 2D-2E, before or during the course
of axially inserting X.sub.24 the second bait station subassembly
24 into the axial passage 28 of the housing 12, one or more axial
retainer fingers 108 extending from the distal shoulder surface
20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20 are axially aligned with
corresponding slots 52 formed by the inwardly-extending lip portion
32 of the housing 12. As seen in FIGS. 2E and 11A, the one or more
axial retainer fingers 108 are sized for axial insertion through,
and may be inserted through, the slots 52 formed by the
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing 12. After the
distal shoulder surface 20.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20
engages or is disposed adjacent the proximal surface 32.sub.P of
the inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing 12, the one or
more axial retainer fingers 108 are said to be fully passed through
the slots 52 formed by the inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the
housing 12. Thereafter, as seen in FIGS. 2E and 11A, the second
bait station subassembly 24 may be rotated R.sub.24 relative to the
housing 12.
[0110] As seen in FIGS. 2E-2F and 11A-11B, rotation R.sub.24 of the
second bait station subassembly 24 relative to the housing 12
results in spatial displacement of the one or more axial retainer
fingers 108 relative to the slots 52 formed by the
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing 12. As seen in
FIGS. 11A-11B, the one or more axial retainer fingers 108 may be
defined by a substantially L-shaped body 110 having a terminal end
112. The terminal end 112 of the substantially L-shaped body 110
may be defined by an inner surface 112.sub.I and an outer surface
112.sub.O. The inner surface 112.sub.I may be defined by a
projection 114.
[0111] After rotation R.sub.24 of the second bait station
subassembly 24 relative to the housing 12, the projection 114 of
the terminal end 112 of the substantially L-shaped body 110 of each
axial retainer finger 108 may be temporality flexed upwardly and
then subsequently slides past the projection 54 formed by the
distal surface 32.sub.D of the inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of
the housing 12 that is arranged proximate the corresponding slot
52. After each axial retainer finger 108 is slid past the each
corresponding projection 54 of the inwardly-extending lip portion
32 of the housing 12, each projection 54 of the inwardly-extending
lip portion 32 of the housing 12 may inhibit but not entirely
prevent rotation R.sub.24' (see, e.g., FIGS. 2F and 11B) in a
direction opposite the arrow R.sub.24 of FIGS. 2E and 11A.
[0112] With reference to FIG. 2F, after rotation R.sub.24 of the
second bait station subassembly 24 relative to the housing 12 has
been completed such that one or more of the inner surface 112.sub.I
of the terminal end 112 and the projection 114 of the substantially
L-shaped body 110 of the one or more axial retainer fingers 108
is/are disposed adjacent one or more of the corresponding
projections 54 and the distal surface 32.sub.D of the
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing 12, the second
bait station subassembly 24 may be said to be removably-connected
to the first bait station subassembly 22. Thereafter, as seen in
FIG. 2F, the lid member 16 may be rotated R.sub.16 relative to the
housing 12 according to the direction of arrow R.sub.16 for
selectively-retaining the lid member 16 to the housing 12 in a
closed orientation (as seen in, e.g., FIG. 2G).
[0113] As seen in FIG. 2A, the lid member 16 may define a passage
116 extending through a thickness T.sub.16 of the lid member 16.
The thickness T.sub.16 of the lid member 16 extends between an
outer surface 16.sub.O of the lid member 16 and an inner surface
16.sub.I of the lid member 16.
[0114] With reference to FIGS. 2G, 10A and 12A, after rotating
R.sub.16 the lid member 16 relative to the housing 12, the passage
116 extending through the thickness T.sub.16 of the lid member 16
is axially-aligned with the button member 94 defined by the
proximal end 18b.sub.P of the consumption-indicating portion 18b of
the bait spike 18. Furthermore, after rotating R.sub.16 the lid
member 16 relative to the housing 12, the button member 94 may be
disposed within the passage 116 such that the button member 94 may
be substantially aligned with thickness T.sub.16 of the lid member
16. Yet even further, the button member 94 may be defined by a
diameter D.sub.94 that is about the same as but slightly smaller
than a diameter D.sub.116 of the passage 116 thereby substantially
closing-out the passage 116 of the lid member 16.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13C and 14A-14C, a method
for operating the bait station 10 when the bait station 10 is
secured to the panel P and loaded with bait B is now described. As
seen in FIG. 12A, the bait station 10 is loaded with bait B and
secured to the panel P as described above at FIGS. 2A-2G.
Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 12B, the rodent R (referring to FIGS.
3A-3B) has removed or consumed the bait B. As a result of the
rodent R removing or consuming the bait B, the bait spike 18, which
is free-floatingly-disposed within the bait spike retainer 20, may
fall or drop downwardly with the assistance of gravity from an "up
orientation" (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A, 10A, 12A) to a "down
orientation" (seem e.g. FIGS. 3B, 10B, 12B) in order to provide a
visible indication to the user U (who is located opposite the
A-surface P.sub.1 of the panel P as seen in, for example, FIGS.
12A-12D) that the bait B (that is located opposite the B-surface
P.sub.2 of the panel P as seen in, for example, FIGS. 3A, 10A, 12A)
has been depleted (as seen in, for example, FIGS. 3B, 10B,
12B).
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 10B and 12B, because the diameter
D.sub.94 of the button member 94 is about the same as but slightly
smaller than the diameter D.sub.116 of the passage 116 formed by
the lid member 16, the fourth stem portion 82d extending along the
fourth portion L.sub.18b-4 of the length L.sub.18b of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b (which includes the button
member 94) is permitted to pass through the passage 116 (according
to the direction of arrow X.sub.18') formed by the lid member 16
for arranging the bait spike 18 relative to the bait spike retainer
20 in the "down orientation." Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 10B, as
a result of the bait spike 18 being arranged in the "down
orientation," the proximal end 82c.sub.P of the third stem portion
82c of the consumption-indicating portion 18b is disposed adjacent
the inner surface 16.sub.I of the lid member 16 for preventing the
bait spike 18 from being fully evacuated from the passage 70 of the
bait spike retainer 20.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 12C, if the user U decides to service the
bait station 10 in order, to, for example, re-load bait B upon the
bait spike 18, the user U urges the exposed the fourth stem portion
82d back into the housing 12 by pushing the proximal end 18b.sub.P
of the consumption-indicating portion 18b/the button member 94
upwardly according to the direction of the arrow X.sub.18 such that
the bait spike 18 is manually arranged back to the "up orientation"
relative to the bait spike retainer 20. Then, as seen in FIG. 12D,
while the bait spike 18 is manually arranged back to the "up
orientation" relative to the bait spike retainer 20, the user may
user his/her other hand to grasp the snap-fit flange 16.sub.F of
the lid member 16 in order to disconnect the snap-fit flange
16.sub.F from the snap-fit channel 46 and rotate R.sub.16' the lid
member 16 relative to the housing 12 for transitioning the lid
member 16 from the closed orientation (as seen in FIG. 12D) to an
open orientation (as seen in FIG. 12E). Once the lid member 16 is
arranged in the open orientation as seen in FIG. 12E, the bait
spike 18 (without the bait B secured thereto) is permitted to fall
with the assistance of gravity away from the bait spike retainer 20
as a result of the inner surface 16.sub.I of the lid member 16 to
longer being arranged adjacent and supporting the proximal end
82c.sub.P of the third stem portion 82c of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b of the bait spike 18.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 13A, with or without the bait spike 18
removed from the bait spike retainer 20, the bait spike retainer 20
may be disconnected from the housing 12. In an example, the bait
spike retainer 20 may be rotated R.sub.24' (see, e.g., FIGS. 2F and
11B) as described above such that each axial retainer finger 108 is
slid past the each corresponding projection 54 of the
inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the housing 12 until each
axial retainer finger 108 is axially aligned with a corresponding
slot 52 formed by the inwardly-extending lip portion 32 of the
housing 12. Thereafter, the bait spike retainer 20 may by axially
disconnected from the housing 12 and the bait spike retainer 20 may
be removed from the axial passage 28 of the housing 12. Once the
bait spike retainer 20 is removed from the housing 12, the second
bait station subassembly 24 may be re-baited as shown and described
at FIGS. 2A-2C. Once the second bait station subassembly 24 is
re-baited, the second bait station subassembly 24 is re-connected
to the housing 12 as shown and described at FIGS. 2D-2G.
[0119] Rotation R.sub.24' of the bait spike retainer 20 relative to
the housing 12 for disconnected the bait spike retainer 20 from the
housing 12 may be carried out in any desirable manner. In an
example, a user may grasp the bait spike retainer 20 by hand and
rotate R.sub.24' the bait spike retainer 20 relative to the housing
12 in a substantially similar when one would change a light bulb
relative to a light bulb socket. In another example, in the event
that a user is unable to reach the bait spike retainer 20 or
prefers to not touch the bait spike retainer 20, as seen in FIGS.
13A-13C, 14A-14C and 15, a user may utilize a tool 118 that is
sized for engagement with the bait spike retainer 20.
[0120] In an example, the tool 118 may have an L-shaped body having
an axial portion 118.sub.A and a radial portion 118.sub.R extending
away from the axial portion 118.sub.A. In an example, as seen in
FIGS. 13A-13C and 14A-14C, one or more of the radial portion
118.sub.R and the axial portion 118.sub.A of the tool 118 may be
sized for insertion between a pair of radial members 120 that
extend across the passage 70 of the bait spike retainer 20. In
another example, as seen in FIG. 15, the radial portion 118.sub.R
of the tool 118 may be sized for arrangement between a distal tool
surface 120.sub.D of the bait spike retainer 20 that at least
partially defines the passage 70 of the bait spike retainer 20 and
a proximal tool surface 120.sub.P of the bait spike retainer 20
that at least partially defines the passage 70 of the bait spike
retainer 20. Once the tool 118 is removably-coupled to the bait
spike retainer 20 as described above, the user may impart a
rotational force R.sub.24' to the tool 118 for causing the bait
spike retainer 20 to rotate relative to the housing 12.
[0121] It is contemplated that in some situations a user may be
uncertain of and wish to inspect the state of consumption of the
bait B (i.e., the fourth stem portion 82d of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b of the bait spike 18 has not yet
passed through the passage 116 formed by the lid member 16 for
arranging the bait spike 18 relative to the bait spike retainer 20
in the "down orientation" thereby indicating to a user that the
bait station 10 still supports at least some bait B that is
preventing the bait spike 18 to "drop" relative to the bait spike
retainer 20). Therefore, as seen more clearly in FIGS. 14A-14C and
15, when the bait B secures the bait spike 18 to the bait spike
retainer 20, as described above, the third stem portion 82c of the
consumption-indicating portion 18b defines a tool interface portion
96 having a tool insertion passage 98. Therefore, as seen in FIGS.
14A-14C, in the event that the bait spike 18 is still secured to
the bait spike retainer 20 by the bait B, the tool insertion
passage 98 is sized for receiving the radial portion 118.sub.R of
the tool 118 such that the user is permitted to not only arrange
the radial portion 118.sub.R between the pair of radial members 120
extending across the passage 70 of the bait spike retainer 20 but
also through the passage 98 formed by the third stem portion 82c of
the consumption-indicating portion 18b of the bait spike 18.
Therefore, upon the user imparting a rotational force R.sub.24' to
the tool 118, the rotational force R.sub.24' may be translated to
one or more of the bait spike 18 and the bait spike retainer
20.
[0122] Although rotation R.sub.24' of the bait spike retainer 20
relative to the housing 12 for disconnecting the bait spike
retainer 20 from the housing 12 by hand or with the tool 118 (with
or without the bait spike 18 arranged within the bait spike
retainer 20) is described above, rotation R.sub.24 in the direction
opposite the direction of the arrow R.sub.24' may be carried out
for connecting the bait spike retainer 20 to the housing 12. In an
example, the user U may grasp the bait spike retainer 20 by hand
and rotate R.sub.24 the bait spike retainer 20 relative the housing
12 (in a substantially similar when one would change a light bulb
relative to a light bulb socket) in order to connect the bait spike
retainer 20 to the housing 12. In another example the user U may
removably-couple the tool 118 to one or both of the bait spike
retainer 20 (by arranging the tool 118 near, next to or between one
of the pair of radial members 120, the distal tool surface
120.sub.D and the proximal tool surface 120.sub.P of the bait spike
retainer 20) and the bait spike 18 (by arranging the tool 118
within the tool insertion passage 98 of the bait spike 18) as
described above and rotate R.sub.24 the bait spike retainer 20
relative the housing 12 in order to connect the bait spike retainer
20 to the housing 12.
[0123] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope
of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the
claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve
desirable results.
* * * * *